Alexander Isak latest: Eddie Howe delivers transfer update as Liverpool prepare 'formal' bid for Newcastle marksman

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has broken his silence on reports claiming that Liverpool-linked Alexander Isak is looking to leave the club this summer.

In what is shaping up to be the saga of the transfer window, Isak has supposedly decided that he is ready to move on from the Magpies, putting Premier League champions Liverpool on red alert.

The Reds are believed to be preparing a formal British-record bid for the Sweden international, whom Newcastle are expected to demand at least £130m and potentially up to £150m for to sell this summer.

Isak was omitted from Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia due to what the club claimed was a thigh injury, but rumours emerged of his supposed will to leave barely a couple of hours later.

Howe addressed the media on Saturday ahead of tomorrow's pre-season friendly against Arsenal, and the Magpies boss was inevitably asked about Isak's future amid links with Liverpool and Saudi Arabia.

Howe: 'Things are going on with Liverpool-linked Isak'

The Englishman confirmed that "things are going on" behind the scenes with his star striker, while also revealing that no talks were being held to extend his contract, which runs out in the summer of 2028.

"He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle," Howe told reporters. "Things are going on behind the scenes. Conversations are happening between Alex, myself and the club. They will stay private.

"Whatever happens has to be for the best of the club. There are no contract talks taking place. That will be for a later date, potentially. I certainly hope he stays. In football, who knows what the future may bring."

Isak has gone from strength to strength in the Premier League since joining Newcastle in the summer of 2022, netting 23 top-flight goals in the 2024-25 season after bagging 21 in the 2023-24 campaign.

The former Real Sociedad man has been directly involved in 73 goals in 109 matches for the Magpies - 62 of his own and 11 assists - and he struck Newcastle's second goal in their 2-1 EFL Cup final win over Arne Slot's side last season.

Will Liverpool face any competition for Isak transfer?

News of Isak becoming available for transfer would ordinarily put a plethora of clubs on high alert, but at this stage in the window, Liverpool could very well find themselves in a one-horse race to sign the 25-year-old.

Isak's former suitors Arsenal are on the brink of welcoming his compatriot Viktor Gyokeres to the club, while Chelsea have already added Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to their ranks.

Manchester United's desire for a new striker is no secret, but the Red Devils cannot fathom spending over £100m on Isak having already forked out over £130m to bring Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford.

The same financial constraints apply to Barcelona, who are nevertheless happy with Robert Lewandowski up top for now, so the only real threat may come from the Saudi Pro League.

One Middle Eastern giant are allegedly readying a £130m offer, but Isak is not believed to have any interest in moving to Saudi Arabia this summer, as he has his heart set on representing Liverpool.